We have to work harder than anyone else – so stop comparing us to rugby union
Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix
1Rugby League World Cup boss Jon Dutton wants the sport to build upon the success of the Commonwealth Games and Women’s Euros but says comparisons to rugby union need to end.
Speaking on this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast, Dutton set out his hopes for the tournament, while admitting that the endless comparisons of league and union have proved hugely counter-productive.
“We’ve seen people really get on board and enjoy the Women’s Euros and Commonwealth Games and we want to be the next cab off the rank,” Dutton told Love Rugby League.
“The Commonwealth Games had a big budget and a big team and big challenges. We have the big challenges but without the big budget and without the big team.”
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Jon Dutton: Stop comparing rugby league to rugby union
Dutton’s positivity for a sport and tournament that he saw postponed 12 months ago is infectious, but he admits there is one thing that drives him up the wall.
“We are different to other sports,” Dutton said. “The comparison to rugby union infuriates me constantly.
“Rugby league and rugby union are two different games with wonderful athletes within their own rights. There should never be comparison between the two. That really does frustrate me.
“Union people might say its part of the establishment with the way it was born and its journey. We are a sport predominantly played and headquartered in the north of England. We just have to work harder than anybody else. That’s been part of the deal for us. We just have to work harder than other people.
“I accept that and I would love it to change, but we will only change by being relentless. Sometimes I think we need to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. The reality is that we have a sport that on the field there isn’t much you can pick fault with.
“We have so much to be proud of and at times we need to galvanise our frustration and anger about how we think we have been poorly treated in other areas and use it to make a difference.”
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